LOUISIANA (Nov. 6, 2026) — Changes to Louisiana’s Medicaid program are scheduled to take effect Jan. 1 for many recipients.

Under the new requirements, most working-age adults receiving Medicaid coverage will be required to document at least 80 hours per month of qualifying activities, including:

• Employment
• School attendance
• Job training
• Volunteer work
• A combination of approved activities

State officials say the goal is to encourage workforce participation and reduce fraud, waste, and abuse within the program.

Another significant change affects retroactive Medicaid coverage, which currently allows eligible applicants to receive coverage for qualifying medical expenses incurred up to three months before applying.

Beginning Jan. 1, that retroactive coverage period will be shortened.

Officials encourage recipients to:

• Keep contact information current
• Monitor mail and electronic communications from Medicaid
• Respond promptly to requests for documentation

Failure to update information or respond to notices could result in interruptions in coverage.